Bali to be Rabies Free by 28 October 2012

The provincial government of Bali is targeting to be able to finally declare Bali "rabies-free" on October 28, 2012. To reach this goal, the government will be undertaking mass vaccination programs on the island's dogs over the coming 5 months.

The head of Bali's Animal Husbandry Department, Putu Sumantra, told Beritabali.com on October 10, 2010, that the mass vaccination program will be undertaken in phases using vaccines with both long and short-term efficacy. The government is targeting for 70% of Bali's estimated 500,000 dog population to be inoculated over the course of the 5-month program. Booster shots will also be given to dogs that have already received initial inoculation. Explained Sumantra: "Dogs that have already been inoculated will be given a 'rabinet' booster; dogs that are receiving an initial inoculation will be injected with 'rabisin.'"

A total of 400,000 shots are being prepared for the coming mass inoculation drive.